I've been keeping up with this thread and feel the need to put in my two cents.
In regards to the divorce, IIRC, it happened when he was 2. That's 6 years ago. He probably does not have much recall of it. It sounds as if he was primarily raised by his father, and now his step-mother. I don't think he necessarily has issues from the divorce. Divorce, like many other things, seems to be blamed for a lot of things. Blaming divorce is a very touchy subject for me, so I apologize if I'm coming across snippy. There are "norms" and "exceptions" in every situation, just because a kid is from a divorced home, does not mean that he has negative feelings about it.
My next opinion is in regards to bio mom saying that step-mom always had to be in the room during phone calls. If that is true, it could possibly be because bio mom would have inappropirate conversations with the child. Not saying that's the reason, but it is something to consider.
When it comes to an 8 year old child committing a crime like this, it is hard to understand. Everyone wants there to be a reason. It's hard to wrap your head around something like this. But sometimes, there isn't a reason. I have known young children who appear perfectly normal and happy, but who could kill someone without batting an eye.
If the child was abused or anything, I do have sympathy. I do not think that is a reason to kill someone, but I do have sympathy. However, I do not think that just because a child kills someone means that he was abused or that he was not raised properly.
Okay, I'm off my soapbox now. =) Just felt the need to share my opinon (and I do respect everyone's opinon on here, everyone comes at a situation from their own experiences, which is why there are so many opinions!).
In regards to the divorce, IIRC, it happened when he was 2. That's 6 years ago. He probably does not have much recall of it. It sounds as if he was primarily raised by his father, and now his step-mother. I don't think he necessarily has issues from the divorce. Divorce, like many other things, seems to be blamed for a lot of things. Blaming divorce is a very touchy subject for me, so I apologize if I'm coming across snippy. There are "norms" and "exceptions" in every situation, just because a kid is from a divorced home, does not mean that he has negative feelings about it.
My next opinion is in regards to bio mom saying that step-mom always had to be in the room during phone calls. If that is true, it could possibly be because bio mom would have inappropirate conversations with the child. Not saying that's the reason, but it is something to consider.
When it comes to an 8 year old child committing a crime like this, it is hard to understand. Everyone wants there to be a reason. It's hard to wrap your head around something like this. But sometimes, there isn't a reason. I have known young children who appear perfectly normal and happy, but who could kill someone without batting an eye.
If the child was abused or anything, I do have sympathy. I do not think that is a reason to kill someone, but I do have sympathy. However, I do not think that just because a child kills someone means that he was abused or that he was not raised properly.
Okay, I'm off my soapbox now. =) Just felt the need to share my opinon (and I do respect everyone's opinon on here, everyone comes at a situation from their own experiences, which is why there are so many opinions!).